Hi, noble89, thanks so much for writing in to us. Stepping back, I think the piece missing in the above is why you want an MBA, where you are headed, and does it have to be a full time program? It's great to hear that you're a top performer at a tech company right now - after some rocky experiences, that stability is probably welcome. Why leave? Are you going back to the same company, or switching to something else? If staying at the same company, have you considered a part time MBA near where you are or even an online/hybrid one (like Ross's new program, or Tepper's, two target schools on your list)? That's a great way to get the skills and the degree you seek without adding choppiness to your resume (and lost income from pursuing a full time program). Part time programs are friendlier to older applicants and can also be more forgiving on the GMAT and GPA front. Without knowing more, that would probably be my first line of questioning.
If you're interested in Full Time, you're going to need to really strengthen everything you can control on the academic and professional front. On the academic side, you can't do anything about your past GPA, but you can enroll now in outside MBA style courses either online or at local university evening continuing ed programs and shoot for A's or the equivalents in subjects like accounting, finance, statistics, etc that will help you show your academic readiness. The more rigorous/brand name, the better, and I'd probably suggest you take 2. A high GMAT will also help. Applying to schools is not like feeding a machine that tells you a threshhold GMAT number - they evaluate applications holistically....but the closer to their averages the better, and if you can go even higher, that would be ideal. On the professional side, they're really going to need to understand how you've come to need your MBA now, what you've learned and your goals (after your winding path, clarity now will be super important). I'd also be looking to demonstrate what you bring to the table at their schools. Leadership skills, help for fellow students, your network?
Also - looking at your list - would you be applying through the Consortium? Take advantage of their resources (assuming it's a fit and you can show your commitment to their mission)!
Best of luck!
Warmly,
Julie-Anne Heafey
Senior Consultant
mbaMissionhttps://www.mbamission.comExclusive Partner of
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#1-Rated Admissions Consulting Firm on GMAT Club and Poets&Quants